SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Brave New World

Perhaps second only to the public health implications of Covid-19, the economic and employment knock-on effects may be the most publicised. Media outlets are already detailing the start of another global recession, the cost of paying back the support received, the rebuilding of businesses and entire industries, and the numbers of those who have plunged into poverty during the pandemic.

There are no two ways about it, the economic effects of coronavirus will be felt for a long, long time, especially in the BAME community, by women, and by young people, who have suffered disproportionately in the last year.

What are the main goals that SDG 8 seeks to achieve?

Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances, and in particular at least 7% per annum GDP growth in the least-developed countries
Achieve higher levels of productivity of economies through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high value-added and labour-intensive sectors
Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises including through access to financial services
Improve progressively through 2030 global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation in accordance with the 10-year framework of programs on sustainable consumption and production with developed countries taking the lead
By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
Take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, eradicate forced labour, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms including recruitment and use of child soldiers
Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments of all workers, including migrant workers, particularly women migrants, and those in precarious employment
By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism which creates jobs, promotes local culture and products
strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and to expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all
Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries, particularly LDCs, including through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for LDCs
By 2020, develop and operationalize a global strategy for youth employment and implement the ILO Global Jobs Pact